Bringing Light to the Dark Places of Our Minds

Mental illness, suicide specifically, has been a hot-button topic in the media recently. Although, partly due to the recent passing of two well-known public figures, the shedding of light onto the topic of suicide and mental health is long overdue.

Tennessee is no exception: Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death (2013 data) in Tennessee, claiming over 950 lives per year. Nearly 100 of these are between the age of 10-24—suicide is the second-leading cause of death within this age group according to the CDC.

On a national level, nearly 45,000 people 10 years and older died by suicide in the U.S. in 2016 and in 2017 alone, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline reported that the lifeline had fielded 2 million calls and is seeing a gradual increase of about 2 percent each year. As you can see, the issue is much wider spread than just celebrities.

A variety of factors can play into a person’s decision to commit suicide. These individuals may be dealing with issues in relationships, health, job, and more often than not- mental illness can play a large role as well. Depression among many other mental illnesses have been seen to contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Why do I bring such a dark topic up you ask? Because when dark, serious issues are brought to the light, that’s when they can be properly dealt with. It is in secret unresolved internal conflict can take root. If we never take time to get to the internal conflict at hand, we cannot heal. If you or someone you know struggle with depression or another mental illness, please know that it is never too late to reach out for help. Take steps today towards your better, brighter future.

We at the Place of Healing firmly believe that life is always worth living and even when it may seem unbearable, it can and will get better! You or your loved one can get better. Healing is possible!

Healing can be found much sooner when you have places to reach out. That is why we highly encourage anyone who is ready to take back their life and pursue freedom from any mental illness we want to point you in the right direction. There is a contact page, phone number and email for the Place of Healing here that we will gladly answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction for help. Additional resources for suicide prevention are the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress), or texting TN to 741741 to connect to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor.